WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Residents in Whatcom County are seeing major payouts from the Healthy Children’s Fund.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services recently announced that the contracts distributed by the Healthy Children’s Fund throughout the county is over $5 million.

The two main goals of the fund are to increase kindergarten readiness and reduce child abuse. According to the county health department, Whatcom County has the highest rate of child abuse in the state.

Last year’s investments included expanded childcare capacity in facilities throughout the county, increased access to doula services for low-income residents and more infant care supplies at the food bank. Another investment offered therapy services for individuals with developmental delays.

In 2025, county officials plan to create a childcare subsidy program for stabilizing the childcare market. The county council stated in the resolution establishing the program that families in Whatcom County struggle to find affordable healthcare in the area when factoring in the high cost of living.

The Healthy Children’s Fund is expected to collect $10 million annually over the next eight years.